COMMENT SPELSBERG
Why industrial enclosure selection needs attention
Chris Lloyd, managing director of Spelsberg UK, says industrial enclosures are vital to protecting vulnerable areas of electrical architecture such as terminals and junctions through to sensitive equipment.
T
hese housings can sometimes be treated as a commodity product, yet failure to properly specify can result in downtime
– or even potential safety concerns. Instead, industrial enclosures demand close consideration in design and manufacture to achieve long-term reliability.
For an industrial enclosure in an electrical installation, the key criterion of success is long- term, trouble-free protection. The assumption that all industrial enclosures achieve this fundamental need is not uncommon. However, managers responsible for the
infrastructure that the enclosures protect know the cost of downtime. So too do OEMs with a focus on long-term reputation. The stakes are higher still when safety is critical. Considering the complexity of electrical system
design, whether for a building installation, an outdoor setting such as a railway or farm, or even for a single device, it’s not surprising that enclosure potential for vulnerabilities at junctions, terminals, or sensitive components, means it’s essential to adequately plan their protection.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN installation is to make a thorough appraisal of enclosure needs. Here, advice from an as support from this expertise will help to cover all relevant bases. This can include considerations on the physical environment and location of the installation, through to recommendations on the required type of sealing.
Selecting an enclosure type online according to aspects such as dimensions, IP and IK ratings, materials, or design features such as condensation protection, can be quick to achieve. However, except for repeat requests or experienced enclosure engineer prior to selection is the more likely way to secure a long-term, reliable outcome. Reviewing enclosure design with an engineer will also be essential if a bespoke design is aspects such as tailoring the location of cable entry and exit points to allow optimal positioning,
12 October 2024 Irish Manufacturing
www.irish-manufacturing.com
or it could even cover special coatings for the exterior of the enclosure. In the real world, timescales for customisation are also crucial, so it’s advantageous to work with a manufacturer that provides design and prototyping in-house with facilities such as CNC machining. Not only does this ensure much faster completion, but it also retains accountability compared to involving third parties.
BUILD QUALITY Material selection is also key to manufacturing a and reliability. For most purposes except for the largest applications, reinforced plastics are usually preferred. This eliminates the potential of corrosion, and light weight makes installation when these materials are used, it’s essential to ensure durability with a choice like polycarbonate. achieve the optimum material blend, with 95% of its raw materials developed to an in-house recipe. An important mark of build quality and
as the iQ mark for industrial quality, as well as UL conformance. While Spelsberg UK achieves design and custom prototyping in-house, all large-scale manufacturing takes place in Germany. These enclosures achieve the German VDE mark according to safety and quality.
QUALITY IN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION Even bespoke manufactured enclosures should also achieve industry-recognised conformance to certify quality. This is crucial because following production is essential. Imprecision can impact long-term durability, such as seal quality that might only become apparent when moisture ingress leads to downtime. The ability to manufacture to a close tolerance is also important to ensure the ease of assembly of components and terminals, as The quality of installation is also vital to ensure
long-term reliability. In combination with the work of professional and thorough electrical installers, an enclosure that facilitates a straightforward an effective housing long term. With features minimises the potential for incorrect installation. Spelsberg works closely with installers and maintenance teams to understand exactly how enclosures are used in the real world – and how to design and manufacture enclosures accordingly. A comprehensive focus on design and build, from a durable enclosure system. Ultimately, this is what’s required to protect electrical junctions and components long term.
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